Autism expert gives ‘insightful and entertaining’ talk in Kenilworth

Alastair Barnett with Brenda Smith PhD.

Published:11:47Monday 23 May 2016

A world-leading expert on autism gave insights into the condition at a workshop held in Kenilworth.

Brenda Smith Myles PhD, an associate professor in the department of special education at the University of Kansas, offered advice and insights into how a child on the autism spectrum sees the world at a workshop in Camden House held on Friday May 20.

Her talk was really insightful and entertaining.

Alastair Barnett

Around 50 people attended the workshop including parents, health and social care workers and academics.

Brenda spoke about how an autistic child’s neurology is different to that of a child without autism, and their behaviour is not simply them ‘being naughty.’

She explained autistic children perceive small changes in routine as stressful as a major change to a person without autism, such as being fired from a job.

She also spoke about coping strategies that help people manage an autistic child’s behaviour.

Clinical director of Kenilworth-based Conatus Child Psychology Alastair Barnett said: “It was wonderful to have Brenda here offering advice to our local schools and community. Her talk was really insightful and entertaining.

“Her knowledge is vast, her help is practical and I have seen first-hand how beneficial her interventions and support strategies are for all people involved in the life of autism spectrum disorder.

“Delegates left the workshop with a better understanding of how a child with autism struggles and why they sometimes act like they do.

“I had a text from one of the people who attended which said: ‘I’ve never had such an informative experience than I had today.’”

Brenda left Kenilworth to continue on her tour of workshops and conferences on autism around the UK.